iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For a normal Windows game library, NTFS is the sensible default. Microsoft designed Dev Drive as a ReFS-based volume for development workloads, and the available evidence does not show that installing games on it produces faster loading or higher frame rates. Dev Drive can still be useful if the same PC also compiles code or stores large development trees, but that is a developer-workflow benefit—not a demonstrated gaming advantage.
The distinction matters because “Dev Drive” is more than a different filesystem. Its ReFS volume, Defender performance-mode behavior and trust configuration can all change the test conditions. A fair comparison must identify those settings rather than attributing every result to ReFS alone.
NTFS and Dev Drive are built for different jobs
What NTFS is
NTFS is Windows’ standard general-purpose filesystem. Microsoft uses it for the system drive and, by default, for most non-removable drives. It is the conventional choice for documents, applications and game libraries because it is the normal Windows storage path and does not require a special workload justification.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What a Dev Drive is
Dev Drive is a storage-volume feature built on Microsoft’s ReFS filesystem. Microsoft describes it as a volume optimized for key developer scenarios, with filesystem optimizations and configurable security behavior intended for source trees, package caches and build output. It is not a generic “gaming mode” and is not presented by Microsoft as a replacement recommendation for every data volume.
#1 Best Overall
- Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
- With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
- Wide Application: attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
- Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
- Economical &Reusable: Built durable materials with a long-lasting battery,our CAGIWIRU air duster it's a sustainable alternative to disposable air cans.
That distinction also explains why simple labels such as “ReFS versus NTFS” can be misleading. A Dev Drive comparison may include Defender performance mode, trust settings and different antivirus-filter behavior. If those settings differ between two test volumes, the experiment is comparing a bundle of changes, not only filesystem metadata and allocation behavior.
Quick comparison for a game-library decision
| Question | NTFS | Dev Drive (ReFS) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | General Windows storage, including ordinary game libraries | Developer workloads such as project trees, package caches and build outputs |
| Filesystem | NTFS | ReFS |
| Gaming benchmark evidence | No special gaming claim is required; it is the normal baseline | No direct authoritative comparison was identified that proves faster game loading or higher FPS |
| Microsoft performance figure | Not applicable to this comparison | Up to 30% better overall build times in a 2023 Windows Developer Blog report versus then-current Windows 11 22H2; this was a development-build result, not a game test |
| Defender behavior | Microsoft says standard real-time protection behavior is unchanged on NTFS volumes | Defender performance mode can reduce scan impact on designated Dev Drives while real-time protection remains on |
| Best fit | A conventional Windows installation and game collection | A separate volume for a genuine development workload, with games only if a particular setup has been tested and the development reason already exists |
Will games load faster on Dev Drive?
There is no supported general answer of “yes.” The available Microsoft material discusses developer build performance and efficient file-access patterns for game developers; it does not compare retail games installed on ReFS Dev Drive with the same games installed on NTFS.
Microsoft’s Windows Developer Blog reported up to 30% better overall build times in 2023 compared with then-current Windows 11 22H2. “Build times” means compiling and assembling development projects. It does not mean a game’s startup sequence, level-streaming time or shader-cache generation will improve by 30%, and it cannot be converted into a loading-time promise.
Game loading can involve many operations besides filesystem metadata: opening thousands of small files, reading large archives, decompressing assets, compiling shaders, initializing middleware and waiting for network services. Microsoft’s game-development guidance notes that file opening can have meaningful overhead in some designs and recommends efficient access patterns for developers. That guidance explains why game creators should optimize file access; it is not evidence that a player’s installed copy will run faster merely because its volume uses ReFS.
If you see a shorter load time on one machine, treat it as a result for that exact game, drive, Windows build, cache state and security configuration. It is not evidence that every game benefits from Dev Drive.
Rank #2
- Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
- Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
- Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
- Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
- Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth
Does ReFS improve FPS?
No authoritative source in the available evidence demonstrates higher in-game frame rates from installing a game on Dev Drive. Filesystem work is most visible while assets are being opened or streamed. Once a scene is resident and the game is limited by the CPU, GPU, memory, engine scheduling or frame-rate cap, changing the volume filesystem does not establish a new rendering capability.
A credible FPS claim would need a controlled test that keeps the physical storage device, game build, graphics settings, Windows version, drivers, background processes and capture method constant. It would also need to report frame-time distributions rather than a single average, because a filesystem change could at most affect particular streaming events in a particular title. The reviewed material contains no such Dev Drive-versus-NTFS retail-game test.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Why the Defender setting can confuse a comparison
Performance mode on a Dev Drive
Microsoft says Defender performance mode reduces the scanning impact for files on designated Dev Drives. The mode requires a Dev Drive and real-time protection to be on. Microsoft also says this mode does not change standard real-time protection on NTFS volumes.
That means a test can appear to show a “filesystem gain” when part of the difference comes from how antivirus filters inspect files. The opposite is also possible: a trusted or differently configured volume may change access behavior enough to obscure a small storage difference. Record the exact Defender mode and trust state whenever you compare volumes.
Do not remove antivirus filters for a gaming tweak
Microsoft cautions that running a Dev Drive without antivirus filters leaves that volume outside standard security scans and says users should exercise extreme caution. Removing filters solely in pursuit of a presumed loading improvement is therefore not a routine gaming recommendation. It trades away protection for a benefit that has not been established.
Rank #3
- 【Large size】：Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
- 【LED backlight mouse pad】：Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
- 【Anti-slip rubber base】：Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
- 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
- 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.
Keep real-time protection enabled unless you have a documented security reason and understand the consequences. If you test a special trust or filter configuration, label the result as a security-configuration test rather than presenting it as proof that ReFS is faster.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Should you move a Steam library to a Dev Drive?
For a personal library with no development workload, there is no evidence-based reason to move it from NTFS. NTFS is already the normal Windows choice, and the sources reviewed do not establish a consistent loading or FPS advantage for ReFS.
A Dev Drive becomes reasonable when you have a separate, concrete development need: for example, source repositories, dependency caches or generated build output that you want isolated from your everyday files. In that arrangement, you can keep the ordinary game library on NTFS and reserve the Dev Drive for the work Microsoft targeted. Installing a game there may be convenient if the volume has space, but convenience is not the same as a demonstrated performance gain.
Before moving a large library, verify the specific launcher and game combination on your Windows edition and build. The evidence here does not establish universal support behavior for every launcher, anti-cheat component or mod tool on every ReFS configuration. Keep the original installation until the title launches, updates, verifies files and restores saves normally.
Compatibility caveat for WSL users
If you access Windows-hosted files through Windows Subsystem for Linux and rely on Linux permission metadata, Microsoft says ReFS does not support WSL’s metadata mount option. Use NTFS or the WSL virtual disk for that workflow. This is a concrete reason not to place a mixed Windows-and-WSL workspace on ReFS merely because the volume is labeled “development optimized.”
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #4
- 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
- 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
- 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
- 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
- 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
What ReFS block cloning changes—and what it does not
Microsoft documents ReFS block cloning on Dev Drive beginning with Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025. Block cloning can make qualifying copy operations faster by reusing existing blocks instead of duplicating all data immediately. That capability can help development workflows that repeatedly copy suitable files or build artifacts.
Block cloning is not evidence of faster game loading or higher FPS. A game’s normal read path is not the same operation as a qualifying block-clone copy, and the feature depends on the operating-system version and the operation being performed. Do not use the existence of block cloning as a reason to promise a gaming improvement.
How to run a fair Dev Drive-versus-NTFS game test
If you want an answer for one particular title, design the test so that storage, software and security variables are visible. The following procedure produces a useful personal result without turning one anecdote into a universal claim.
- Use the same physical storage device. Compare volumes on the same SSD or hard drive where possible. Moving the NTFS copy to a different device changes the most important storage variable and makes the filesystem conclusion unreliable.
- Keep the game build identical. Record the game version, launcher version and any active texture packs, mods or shader caches. Test the same files, not two installations that may have downloaded different patches.
- Record the Windows environment. Write down the Windows edition and version, including whether the ReFS test relies on Windows 11 24H2 or another release. ReFS features and Dev Drive behavior are version-dependent.
- Document Defender state. Note whether Defender performance mode is active, whether real-time protection is enabled and whether the volume has a trust or filter configuration that differs from NTFS. Do not disable filters just to obtain a larger-looking number.
- Separate cold and warm runs. A first launch may read from storage while later launches benefit from memory and system caches. Test cold-cache behavior and warm-cache behavior as separate conditions instead of mixing them into one average.
- Repeat each run. Use multiple launches and record every result. Report the distribution or at least the range and typical value, not only the fastest run. A one-time result can reflect background activity or cache state.
- Measure loading and FPS independently. Time a defined sequence such as launcher start to menu or save selection to playable control, then run a repeatable in-game scene for frame-time capture. Never treat a loading-time difference as proof of an FPS difference.
- Describe the game’s access pattern. Note whether the title streams many small assets, reads large archives or performs a one-time startup scan. A result for one access pattern should not be generalized to every engine.
- Preserve a rollback path. Keep the original NTFS installation or a verified backup until updates, file validation, saves and anti-cheat behavior have all worked on the test volume.
Even a carefully run personal test answers only the question “What happened on this device, with this title and these settings?” It cannot turn the absent industry-wide benchmark into a general promise.
Decision guide: choose the volume that matches your workload
Choose NTFS when gaming is the main use
- Your PC is primarily for games, applications and ordinary personal files.
- You want the conventional Windows filesystem and the fewest special security decisions.
- You have no measured, repeatable benefit for a specific title on your own hardware.
- You use WSL with Linux permission metadata on Windows-hosted files.
Consider a Dev Drive when development is the main reason
- You compile projects or maintain large source trees and want a dedicated volume for them.
- You want project files, package caches or build outputs separated from your general data.
- You understand that Defender performance mode and trust settings are part of the behavior.
- You are running a Windows version that supports the ReFS feature you actually need, such as block cloning from Windows 11 24H2 onward for qualifying operations.
Use two volumes when you do both
A mixed-use PC does not require one filesystem to win every task. Keep games and general storage on NTFS, create a Dev Drive for development data, and evaluate a particular game on ReFS only if there is a practical reason to do so. This arrangement preserves the normal gaming baseline while applying Dev Drive where Microsoft documents its purpose.
Best Value
- 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
- 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
- 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
- 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
- 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Turning a build-time claim into a gaming claim
The “up to 30%” figure belongs to development builds reported in 2023. Repeat the qualification every time you use it: it is not a game-loading or FPS measurement.
Changing several variables and crediting ReFS
A different SSD, Windows version, cache state, Defender mode or trust setting can dominate a small result. Hold those variables constant or disclose them as part of the test.
Disabling protection for a benchmark
Removing antivirus filters changes the security posture of the volume. It does not create a sound everyday gaming recommendation, especially when a general gaming gain has not been demonstrated.
Assuming every workload benefits from block cloning
Block cloning applies to qualifying copy operations on supported versions. It does not make ordinary reads, game rendering or every file operation faster by definition.
Generalizing from one title
Games use different packaging, streaming and caching strategies. A result for one title is a title-specific observation unless independent tests show the same pattern across controlled workloads.
Bottom line
NTFS is the evidence-aligned choice for an ordinary Windows game library. Dev Drive is a ReFS-based feature intended for developer scenarios; Microsoft’s measured benefit concerns build times, not retail-game loading or frame rates. Use Dev Drive for a real development workload, keep its Defender and trust implications visible, and treat any gaming result as a carefully controlled experiment for one setup—not as a universal upgrade.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
